A Periodic Table of the Isotopes Using Grapher Mapping Software

Atomic weights were previously thought to be constant values with a level of uncertainty; however, the atomic weights for hydrogen, lithium, boron, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, silicon, sulfur, chlorine, and thallium are now expressed as intervals to more closely reflect the variations these chemical elements have shown.

While this is an exciting discovery, one can only image the magnitude of replacing the now outdated periodic tables that have decorated the inside covers of chemistry books and classroom walls throughout the world. To address this issue, the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC), with the assistance of the Committee on Chemistry Education (CCE), created the project, Development of an isotopic periodic table for the educational community. The goal of the project was to create an interactive periodic table to display the new isotopic information. All levels of education could then use the new table and students will have immediate access to the latest information.

Golden Software’s own Grapher mapping and graphing software played a role in the development of the IUPAC Periodic Table of the Isotopes. The IUPAC task group utilized Grapher to create each element’s pie diagram.118 pie charts were created in Grapher and then labeled with the appropriate isotopic information, resized and exported as images which were then displayed within the IUPAC Periodic Table of the Isotopes.The new periodic table is available in both an online and paper version.

Over 100 pie charts,as displayed above, were created in Grapher.

Additionally, the IUPAC task group is further enhancing the periodic table. The interactive version will allow a user to select an element and additional information will be provided such as the half-life chart below, one of 118 charts automatically generated with Grapher’s automation feature, Scripter.

For additional information on this exciting project, visit:
International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry
Commission on Isotopic Abundances and Atomic Weights
USGS

To learn more about Grapher’s mapping software automation features, check out the Golden Software newsletter, Grapher: Creating a Script using the Script Recorder.